Fish species in Japan

Giant Pacific octopus

ミズダコ · mizudako
Enteroctopus dofleini

The giant Pacific octopus is a cold-water species with powerful arms and suckers. Total length changes greatly with arm position. Target it only where harvest is permitted and with locally appropriate equipment and help for landing.

Habitat and season

Cold rocky and mixed seabeds around Hokkaido and northern Japan.

Recorded fishing season: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Scientific name: Enteroctopus dofleini
Japanese name: ミズダコ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Octopus jig fishing

Bottom jigs are moved a short distance to attract an octopus. Local fishing rights and the boat’s rules must be checked first.

Find places to fish

Find spots for giant pacific octopus on the map →

Cooking

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Compare related fish

Detailed Japanese species notes

北の海にすむ大型のタコで、長い腕と強い吸着力が特徴。マダコ用の道具では対応しにくい大きさにもなる。地域によって採捕の扱いが異なるため、一般の岸釣りで自由に狙える魚として紹介することはできない。

漁業権と採捕規制を確認。吸盤と口に注意し、重い個体を竿だけで持ち上げない。食用に下処理された身を使う。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →